Death and Grief in Indonesian Culture During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Puri Swastika Gusti Krisna Dewi
1
, Imanuel Eko Anggun Sugiyono
2
, Fajar Nurcahyo
3
1
Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Universitas Utpadaka Swastika, Tangerang, Indonesia
2
Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Driyarkara, Jakarta, Indonesia
3
Antinomi Institute, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
research.psgkd@gmail.com
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to
societies worldwide, imposing unprecedented restrictions on the way people
grieve and commemorate their departed loved ones. In the context of Indonesia,
a country renowned for its rich and expressive cultural and religious mourning
practices, these restrictions have profound implications. This study explores
the intricate relationship between death, grief, and the limitations imposed by
pandemic-related protocols within Indonesian religious culture. Indonesia’s
diverse cultural landscape encompasses a myriad of religious traditions and
religious rituals that offer solace and support during times of loss. However,
stringent safety measures, including restrictions on funerals and burial
practices, have disrupted these customs. This paper delves into the emotional
and psychological impact of these restrictions on the Indonesian population,
examining the tension between the deep-rooted religious and cultural practices
surrounding death and mourning, and the necessity of adhering to public health
measures. The results of this study unveil the silent sorrows experienced by
Indonesians, who have been forced to adapt their grieving process. It explores
the innovative ways in which individuals and communities have sought to
maintain their religious and cultural identities while adhering to pandemic
protocols. Furthermore, it reflects the resilience and adaptability of
Indonesian society in the face of unprecedented challenges. By shedding light
on this unique intersection of religious and cultural traditions, pandemic
restrictions, and grief, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of
how societies cope with losses during times of crisis. It emphasises the
importance of preserving religious-cultural identity and mental well-being even
amidst adversity and calls for a more nuanced approach to pandemic management
that respects the cultural tapestry of a nation while safeguarding public health.
Keywords
death, grief, Indonesian culture, Islam, covid-19, bioethics
References
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2 Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Driyarkara, Jakarta, Indonesia
3 Antinomi Institute, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
research.psgkd@gmail.com
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to
societies worldwide, imposing unprecedented restrictions on the way people
grieve and commemorate their departed loved ones. In the context of Indonesia,
a country renowned for its rich and expressive cultural and religious mourning
practices, these restrictions have profound implications. This study explores
the intricate relationship between death, grief, and the limitations imposed by
pandemic-related protocols within Indonesian religious culture. Indonesia’s
diverse cultural landscape encompasses a myriad of religious traditions and
religious rituals that offer solace and support during times of loss. However,
stringent safety measures, including restrictions on funerals and burial
practices, have disrupted these customs. This paper delves into the emotional
and psychological impact of these restrictions on the Indonesian population,
examining the tension between the deep-rooted religious and cultural practices
surrounding death and mourning, and the necessity of adhering to public health
measures. The results of this study unveil the silent sorrows experienced by
Indonesians, who have been forced to adapt their grieving process. It explores
the innovative ways in which individuals and communities have sought to
maintain their religious and cultural identities while adhering to pandemic
protocols. Furthermore, it reflects the resilience and adaptability of
Indonesian society in the face of unprecedented challenges. By shedding light
on this unique intersection of religious and cultural traditions, pandemic
restrictions, and grief, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of
how societies cope with losses during times of crisis. It emphasises the
importance of preserving religious-cultural identity and mental well-being even
amidst adversity and calls for a more nuanced approach to pandemic management
that respects the cultural tapestry of a nation while safeguarding public health.
